Dominic Thiem Reflects on Life After Retirement: “I Don’t Really Miss Tennis That Much”
Former World No. 3 Dominic Thiem has opened up about life after retiring from professional tennis, admitting he doesn’t particularly miss the sport. Thiem stepped away from the game in 2024 at just 31, following persistent wrist injuries that derailed his career.
Despite a shortened run, Thiem leaves behind an impressive legacy. He claimed the 2020 US Open title, won Indian Wells, and was a finalist at the French Open (2018, 2019), Australian Open (2020), and ATP Finals (2019, 2020). His career unfolded in the shadow of the Big Three, yet he consistently made his mark.
Speaking about his retirement, Thiem said:
“I never really wanted to leave tennis, but I’m also happy to be home and finally spend a full winter in the cold.”
He shared that after attempting an exhibition match, old injuries flared up:
“If I hit balls for several days in a row, my arm starts to seize up again.”
He added, “Tennis, on the other hand, I don’t miss too much… I was glad it was over.”
Reflecting on his ups and downs, Thiem said:
“There were times when everything went right, and others when nothing did. Toward the end, I lacked the sensitivity to strike the ball cleanly. Whether it was mental, mechanical, or nerve-related—I’m not sure. Surgery might’ve helped, but it would’ve been invasive. I believe I made the right choice.”
Thiem’s final match came at the Vienna Open 2024, where he lost a tight contest to Italy’s Luciano Darderi, 7-6(6), 6-2, in front of his home crowd.
